Applicants have been invited to propose a personal or professional development project that reflects their aspirations and passions and that will have a lasting impact on society. Two £5,000 awards are available.

Ben McEwen, chair of the OCC’s charitable trust: “Unlike many recognition programmes that exist for young hospitality professionals, we offer substantial financial grants and comprehensive mentoring. Over time we aim to create a community of highly talented scholarship winners, who will be the changemakers of the future, building successful careers, whilst also achieving positive impacts for industry and society.”

The Lou Willcock Scholarship reflects the inherent creativity of the hospitality sector. The Golden Chopsticks Scholarship is the first of its kind specifically for those with a professional interest in the food and hospitality of East and Southeast Asia.

Jack Feeny, chef and founder of online platform No Mise en Plastic, has become an ambassador for this initiative since winning the Lou Willcock Scholarship in 2023.

He added: “It completely changed my life. The whole process has laid the foundation for the work we are now doing. For those with great ideas they believe could help change our industry, I would really recommend applying for this amazing opportunity.”

OCC also offers the Yan-Kit So Award, which comes with a £3,000 bursary, for those who are planning to write their first cookbook or work of non-fiction focused on any aspect of Asian food culture. Applications for all three remain open until 26th September 2025. The winners will be announced in mid-November.

For more information or to apply visit: www.oxfordculturalcollective.com